Straight 2-pieces tote N1

Hey my Sparkle! I'm happy to see you here :)

In this class, we'll make a straight leather tote. It's a classic unlined design with an outside slide pocket — a very popular and timeless model.

Also, it's the entering class, and in the last lesson, you'll find the $24 off coupon to continue your growth.

Materials:

- A leather piece 29" long and 24" high (15-16" high if you want to go without the pockets)

- 1 leather strap about 50-56" (125-140cm) in length for the straps, the handles of the tote in the class are 28" in length each, totaling 56".

- Polyester threads (t-70 or v-92)

Recommendations about leather:

Temper: It's better to take non-stretchy leather because the tote doesn't have a fabric lining. It can be smooth or stiffer; it's up to you.

Thickness: Because it's an unlined tote, please take leather of about 4.5-5oz. Thinner won't be durable, and thicker will not be very comfortable to stitch.

The leather in the class is 4.5oz thickness with medium temper.

If you need any help with picking the materials, please feel free to ask me on Instagram: Khelmanbags

Tools needed:

- Scissors

- Rotary or utility knife for smooth edges

- Awl or silver gel pen for tracing

- Glue for leather (I use Tacky glue from Aleene's)

*Please remember, you have evergreen access to this class and the later updates — I want you to succeed.

Disclosure: Feel free to make and sell all finished products made from this pattern; however, you may not share, sell, or distribute this pattern and photos of this pattern in any way, in whole or in part. Credit is appreciated; please tag my Instagram @khelmanbags.

Selling the bag:

It's a classic design, and you can sell the bag without needing to buy a commercial license. Please mention or tag @khelmanbags in the description.

I'll be happy to see your creations and watch your artistic growth!

The bag featured in the class was crafted entirely using my domestic sewing machine to demonstrate how to address any potential issues you may encounter. If you happen to have an industrial machine, that's fantastic — it will work just as well. Additionally, the pattern includes stitching lines if you prefer to hand-stitch the bag. Rest assured, the technique and assembly remain the same regardless of the method you choose.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to the class & Materials needed

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. How to use this course

    1. Practice 1.1: Building a real-size tote pattern of 10"W x 11.5"H x 4.5"D

    1. PDF pattern 10W"x11.5H"x4.5D" and cutting/gluing it

    2. Tracing and cutting the leather details

    3. Marking holes for the tote handles

    4. Outside slide pocket 1: 3 ways of placement the pocket on the bag's body + gluing + reinforcing

    5. Outside slide pocket: 2. Stitching

    6. Outside slide pocket: 3. Reinforcing the pocket's top with threads

    7. How we can change the shape depending on the kind of bottom stitching

    8. Sides stitching

    9. Stitching the depth right to have nice crossing and corners

    10. Hiding the thread end on the bottom

    11. Hiding the thread end on top

    12. Making the nice symmetrical holes for the handles + reinforcing with leather patches

    13. Tote handles frame PDF pattern

    14. Cutting and attaching the handles

    15. Setting the rivets with the press

    16. Congratulations on our first tote made!

About this course

  • 19 lessons

We will go together step by step:

We'll begin by tracing the pattern and cutting the details. Next, we'll attach the slide leather pocket and stitch the body. I'll demonstrate how to stitch the bottom neatly with a crossing, reinforce the body if the tote is unlined, and cut and attach the handles. These steps will ensure your tote looks both polished and professional.
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This class is also available with the Bag Creator Course

Pick the level you like the most